Chelsea’s South American core were back in action for their countries last night, although Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw with Venezuela.
Enzo Fernandez started in the middle of the park for the World Cup holders, with him no doubt keen to hit his top form that has evaded him at club level so far this season.
It is fair to say Enzo Maresca is yet to get the best out of Fernandez, despite having a reported plan to do so before he took over at Stamford Bridge.
There is certainly an argument for him to drop out of the starting line-up, with Romeo Lavia now back to full fitness again.
He normally performs well for his country, and Argentine media were impressed by him again last night.
Argentine media impressed by Enzo Fernandez in dangerous conditions
TYCSports explained that the conditions they were forced to play in actually put the Chelsea man in real danger.
They said: “On such terrain, the most at risk are the centre-backs and the central midfielder. Forced to suffer from this danger, he handled the match well.”
He will likely be back in action next time the Copa America holders are in action in the early hours of Wednesday morning against Bolivia.
With Chelsea back in action against Liverpool on the following Sunday, it is going to be a quick turnaround for the midfielder if he is to feature at Anfield.
Chelsea without key players to face Liverpool
The Blues will already be without a couple of key players due to suspension following them picking up five yellow cards already.
Maresca will not be able to pick either Wesley Fofana or Marc Cucurella, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez hinting at some frustration at the manner they are picking up some of their bookings.
It remains to be seen if the manager believes Fernandez is in a capable state as far as fitness goes to make the desired impact in the middle of the park for the Blues against the league leaders.
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